On Friday, the CBC reported Alberta’s Election Commissioner Lorne Gibson had handed an investigation into alleged funding irregularities to the RCMP because its seriousness transcended his purview.

The report stated letters had been sent by the election commissioner to witnesses in the case, telling them they can expect to be contacted by the RCMP.

An RCMP spokesman confirmed to Postmedia Friday the force was following up the accusations.

“We are aware of the allegations and are looking into the information that was provided to us,” said Fraser Logan. “No further information will be provided on this matter unless there are criminal charges laid.”

It’s been alleged by one-time UCP insiders, including former MLA Prab Gill, that party operative Jeff Callaway ran as a so-called kamikaze candidate during the 2017 leadership race to undermine Kenney’s main rival, former Wildrose leader Brian Jean.

Those insiders allege Callaway’s campaign was improperly funded by individuals who put money into the campaign through other people who falsely claimed to be the actual donors, which is illegal under Alberta election laws.

Callaway exited the race just before the vote and endorsed Kenney.

On Friday, Notley said Kenney’s insistence on a quicker election call reflects the UCP leader’s attempt to outrun more revelations in the controversy.

“He was hoping the election would be done and dusted before this stuff started to come out,” said Notley, while questioning Kenney’s qualification to be premier.

“If the shoe was on the other foot and a politician seeking to lead the province were under investigation by the RCMP, he’d likely say that person is unfit to be premier and he’d be right.”

“We need Mr. Kenney to come clean on all the different elements of this,” she said.

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